Assistant Director of Advancement Communications, Principal Giving

Assistant Director of Advancement Communications

Department: USC Communications, Advancement

Overview

As an employee of USC, you will be a part of a world-class research university and a member of the "Trojan Family," which comprises the faculty, students, and staff that make the university a prime place to learn, grow, and succeed.

USC Communications is seeking threeAssistant Director of Advancement Communications to join its team. The Communications team sets the strategic communications vision and marketing strategies that promote the campus community’s innovative accomplishments, builds a strong brand identity, and nurtures the University’s reputation among its vast constituencies. Reporting to the Senior Director of Advancement Communications, the Assistant Director inspires, promotes, and acknowledges major, principal, and transformational giving to USC through strategic content.

The ideal candidates thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and succeed through collaboration, attention to detail, high-quality communication, and a commitment to excellence for themselves and others.

Job Responsibilities:

• Coordinates, develops, writes, and edits clear, compelling, persuasive, and brand-compliant copy for proposals, stewardship, donor stories, and other communications supporting principal, planned and/or corporate and foundation gifts of $1 million and above.

• Oversees review and approval processes and delivers final products on established timelines.

• Conducts independent research and partners with subject matter experts and prospect managers to develop technical, programmatic, and storytelling content.

• Develops and maintains current knowledge of university priorities, brand, style and stories.

• Supports a variety of University Advancement communications projects and goals by providing general writing and editing support for impact reports, marketing collateral and other materials that support fundraising and stewardship.  

• Performs other duties, as assigned.

These are hybrid positions under our current work arrangement plan, with the expectation of on-site presence in our offices in the USC Tower located adjacent to campus in downtown Los Angeles.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education

• At least three years of professional experience in nonprofit or higher education advancement/development writing.

• Experience in public relations, communications, journalism or related field.

In addition, the successful candidate must also demonstrate, through ideas, words, and actions, a strong commitment to USC’s Unifying Core Values: integrity, excellence, diversity, equity and inclusion, well-being, open communication, and accountability.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 5 years’ experience in marketing and/or communications.

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for these positions is $94,968.56-$117,908.20. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations. 

USC has excellent benefits, including health benefits for staff & their family with access to the renowned university medical network; eligibility for retirement plans with employer contributions once you meet Program's eligibility; tuition benefits for staff & their family; free professional development online courses; central Los Angeles location with easy access to commuter trains, buses & free tram pick up services; discounts to football, basketball & other campus events.

Application Requirements

Resume, cover letter, and three writing samples required, including at least one major gift proposal or case for support. Please do not submit your application without these documents.

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree, Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education Minimum Experience: 3 years, Combined education/experience as substitute for minimum experience Minimum Field of Expertise: Public relations, communications, journalism or related field.